A group of specialists / experts created by the Public Defender publishes a report on the results of monitoring the medical condition of Mikheil Saakashvili.
A general assessment of the patient’s condition states that the condition is noteworthy. The following main problems are expressed at this stage: neurological symptoms, in particular eye paresis, imbalance, general weakness, clinical signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and moderate / severely depressive disorder, anemia.
Based on the statement, the need for a more optimal prescription has been identified with a number of medications, including psychotropic medications.
In addition, the report states that despite post-traumatic stress disorder and moderate / severe depression, the patient is still not receiving psychotherapy.
Regarding the recommendations, the expert group believes that it is necessary to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and moderate/severe depression with appropriate psychotherapeutic intervention, as well as to conduct relevant additional studies in this direction, including with the help of psychotrauma specialists.
Experts also consider it necessary to physically rehabilitate the patient.
The conclusion reads:
“On December 12, 2021, the group of experts/specialists set up by the Public Defender paid a fourth visit to patient (accused/convicted) Mikheil Saakashvili. The patient has been placed in the Giorgi Abramishvili Military Hospital of the Ministry of Defense since November 19, 2021.
“The visit was carried out by the following experts: Aida Gozalova, Tengiz Tsuladze, Giorgi Kacharava, Nino Zavrashvili, Grigoli Khurtsidze, Giorgi Papiashvili, Giorgi Grigolia and Marine Kuratashvili. The experts talked to Mikheil Saakashvili, assessed his medical condition, talked to doctors and received information about the patient’s health.
“The willingness of the medical staff for full cooperation needs to be emphasized.
“After the visit, the group of experts held a remote discussion, in which expert Mamuka Machaidze also took part.
I. General evaluation of the patient’s condition
The condition of the patient needs to be paid attention.
II. Key issues
The following are the main problems at this stage:
- Neurological symptoms, in particular eye paresis, imbalance, general weakness
- Clinical signs of posttraumatic stress disorder and moderate/severe depressive disorder
- Anemia
- The need for a more optimal prescription of a number of medications, including psychotropic medications, has been identified
- Despite post-traumatic stress disorder and moderate/severe depression, the patient is still not receiving psychotherapy.
“From the somatic point of view, the patient’s condition is more or less satisfactory in the light of the course of treatment. However, the group of experts will provide additional recommendations, which will be discussed in detail in the appendix.
“It is noteworthy that the recommendation to conduct psychotherapy was made by the group of experts on November 25, which has not been implemented so far. The group of experts has some remarks in relation to the pharmacological treatment in this direction, which will also be presented in the appendix.
“Physical rehabilitation is insufficient. The group of experts believes that this part of treatment may be facilitated by the timely launch of psychotherapy.
III. Recommendations:
“For the treatment and full rehabilitation of the patient, the group of experts considers the following to be necessary:
- Appropriate psychotherapeutic intervention for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and moderate/severe depression
- Additional examinations with the involvement of relevant professionals (including psychotrauma specialists) in order to determine the psychotherapeutic intervention, scope and methods
- Physical rehabilitation
- Correction of pharmacological treatment according to the detailed recommendations offered in the appendix.”
Acting Minister of Health Ekaterine Tikaradze, who resigned, but will continue performing her duties as minister until the end of the year, stated regarding the above conclusion that “doctors’ recommendations regarding the former President’s treatment will be taken into account.”
“I am not a clinician, therefore, I cannot assess the patient’s condition. Doctors are involved, of course, we will take into account the recommendations of doctors,” said Tikaradze.
In recent days, Saakashvili was also visited in Gori Hospital by psychiatrist Marine Kuratashvili, who stated after the visit that Saakashvili’s use of psychotropic drugs does not go beyond therapeutic doses, which means that there are no violations in relation to the doses. However, she added, in addition to medical treatment, he also needs psychotherapeutic help.
“Mikheil Saakashvili has some problems and needs both medical and psychotherapeutic help,” the doctor said.
Regarding the physical condition of the former president, his lawyer Dimitri Sadzaglishvili said that Saakashvili can not take food and “80% of food is simply thrown in the trash,” because his body is not ready to take this food.
Earlier, one of the doctors stated that everything seemed to be fine and all restrictions regarding taking food have been lifted, however, the above information was denied by the lawyer.
By Ana Dumbadze
